Making a storm damage claim is rarely easy and never simple. If your home has been damaged by a storm in Texas, you may be facing a difficult path to getting financial compensation. One step that could put your storm damage claim in jeopardy is your conversation with your insurance adjuster.

When you talk with your insurance adjuster, there are some things you should definitely say and some things you certainly shouldn’t mention. Learn what NOT to say to your insurance adjuster from your storm damage attorney.

1. DO NOT Lie

Being honest with your insurance company isn’t just a good idea, it’s required. If your insurance company catches you making a false statement, your claim could be denied or you could face penalties for insurance fraud. 

While there are things you should avoid talking about with your insurance adjuster, that doesn’t mean you can lie to them.

2. DO NOT Admit Fault

The biggest thing you absolutely should not do when speaking to your insurance adjuster is admit fault, whether your own or someone else’s. You should never suggest that your actions or someone else’s actions contributed to the damage to your home. This includes making unproven theories about the potential causes of the damage.

Suggesting a possible cause for the damage can result in your home insurance claim being denied.

3. DO NOT Downplay Damages

Another mistake that can seriously impact your storm damage claim settlement is downplaying the damage sustained. Intentionally or accidentally describing the damage as less severe than it actually is can reduce the value of your claim. 

This can include omitting certain damage from the discussion or making any statements about things that shouldn’t or might not be covered by your policy.

4. DO NOT Make a Recorded Statement

Any statement that you give to your insurance company should be carefully thought through and prepared. If your insurance company requests a recorded statement, you should have time to consult with a storm damage attorney. 

You should be given a chance to gather your thoughts and make a written statement. Making a statement without sufficient preparation will usually result in more favorable outcomes for the insurance company, not the policyholder.

5. DO NOT Accept an Initial Settlement

Finally, during your discussion with your insurance claim adjuster, you should not accept any settlement offers. The initial settlement offer given by your adjuster is likely to be a lowball figure, and you’ll need to challenge that initial offer to get what you’re owed. 

If you feel your insurance adjuster is lowballing your settlement, you can talk to an insurance attorney for help fighting for your rights to compensation.

Storm Damage Claim Denied? Get Help From a Storm Damage Insurance Attorney

The damage caused by a storm can be incredibly costly, and it’s important that you use caution when interacting with your insurance company about a claim. Rather than jumping into a call without any preparation, you should consider reaching out to a home insurance attorney first for help taking the right steps.

If your home has been damaged by a Texas storm, reach out to a storm damage attorney for help making a claim, fighting for more compensation, or taking your insurance company to court.

If your storm damage claim was denied or delayed, reach out to a storm damage insurance lawyer for help defending your rights.

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